Click To View Alexander Hamilton Limited Edition Booklet

Among the greatest of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, Alexander Hamilton (11 January, 1755 or 1757 – 12 July, 1804) was notable for achieving so much despite a difficult childhood and dying at a too-young 49 years of age. Though he never attained the highest office of the newly-formed nation, few of his fellow founders would influence its political system more than Alexander Hamilton, and few were more controversial.

As is now well-known, Hamilton had much to overcome in his youth. He was born out of wedlock in Charlestown, Nevis in the British West Indies. His Scottish-born father, James A. Hamilton, was the fourth son of Alexander Hamilton, laird of Grange, Ayrshire, and his mother, born Rachel Faucette, was half-British and half-French Huguenot. Compounding this, Hamilton was orphaned as a child by his mother’s death and his father’s abandonment, but he was taken in by an older cousin and later by a prosperous merchant family.

Recognised for his intelligence and talent, and sponsored by a group of wealthy local men to travel to New York City to pursue his education, Hamilton attended King’s College (now Columbia University), choosing to stay in the colonies to seek his fortune. He discontinued his studies before graduating when the college closed its doors during British occupation of the city. Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804)

Hamilton played a major role in the American Revolutionary War, joining a militia at the start of the war, in 1775. Early the following year, he raised a provincial artillery company, to which he was appointed captain. He soon became the senior aide to General Washington, then the American forces’ commander-in-chief. Hamilton was dispatched by Washington on numerous missions to convey plans to his generals.

After the war, Hamilton was elected as a representative from New York to the Congress of the Confederation. He resigned to practice law, being among those dissatisfied with the weak national government. He led the Annapolis Convention, which successfully influenced Congress to issue a call for the Philadelphia Convention in order to create a new constitution. Hamilton was an active participant who helped achieve ratification by writing 51 of the 85 instalments of The Federalist Papers which remain the single most important reference for Constitutional interpretation.

Hamilton became the leading cabinet member in the new government under President Washington. He was a nationalist who emphasised strong central government and successfully argued that the implied powers of the Constitution provided the legal authority to fund the national debt, assume states’ debts and create the government-backed Bank of the United States. These programs were funded primarily by a tariff on imports and a highly controversial tax on whiskey. To overcome localism, Hamilton mobilised a nationwide network of friends of the government, especially bankers and businessmen, which became the Federalist Party. A major issue in the emergence of the American two-party system was the Jay Treaty, largely designed by Hamilton in 1794. It established friendly trade relations with Britain, to the chagrin of France and the supporters of the French Revolution.

Hamilton played a central role in the Federalist party, which dominated national and state politics until it lost the election of 1800 to Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party. In 1795, he returned to the practice of law in New York.

Hamilton envisioned a strong central government led by a vigorous executive branch, a strong commercial economy with a national bank and support for manufacturing, and a strong military. His position was challenged by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, who formed a rival party as they favoured strong states based in rural America and protected by state militias as opposed to a strong national army and navy. Controversy was never far from Hamilton, with Jefferson and Madison denouncing him as too friendly toward Britain and toward monarchy in general, and too oriented toward cities, business and banking.

In 1798-99, Hamilton called for mobilisation against France after the XYZ Affair and became commander of a new army, which he readied for war. However, war was never officially declared and did not involve army action, though it was hard-fought at sea. President Adams found a diplomatic solution that avoided a war with France, so Hamilton’s opposition to Adams’ re-election helped cause his defeat in the 1800 election. Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied for the presidency in the electoral college in 1801, and Hamilton helped to defeat Burr, whom he found unprincipled, and to elect Jefferson despite their philosophical differences.

Hamilton continued his legal and business activities in New York City, and was active in ending the legality of the international slave trade. Vice-President Burr ran for governor of New York State in 1804, and Hamilton crusaded against him as unworthy. Burr took offense and challenged Hamilton to a duel. Burr mortally wounded Hamilton, who died the next day.

The Alexander Hamilton Pens

Montegrappa has honoured Alexander Hamilton with two distinguished pens, the collection imbued with highly-detailed surfaces and fittings, to embody the various aspects of his personality, life, deeds and merits. Both are offered as fountain pen and rollerball, is limited to 150 fountain pens of each type, and 100 rollerball pens for both models. The fountain pen is piston-fed, and the nib is made in 18k gold with the initials “AH” engraved on its surface. The Ivory White Resin edition is enriched with Sterling Silver trim, as well as a plethora of die-cast details that vary from shiny silver, to plated yellow and rose gold. Its decorative ornamentation has been inspired by the US $10 banknote, with contrasting laser engraving on the pen barrel depicting a facsimile of the US $10 bill, bearing his portrait. Its cap is engraved with a quote from a hand-written note, featuring his signature. For the Black Resin version, rather than the $10 note, the barrel features a full-colour reproduction, hand-painted with enamels, of the famous portrait by John Trumbull. Both editions’ pen cap tops represent the torch of the Statue of Liberty, the die-cast ornamental decoration resembling the flames of the torch, with 18k rose gold plating signifying fire. The signature clip and blind cap as a dome were all inspired by the Statue of Liberty.

Authenticity Certificate

This document certifies that the “Alexander Hamilton” writing instruments collection has been manufactured by Montegrappa from an exclusive original design and has been produced in a limited edition of:

177 fountain pens in Ivory White resin and Sterling Silver 177 fountain pens in Black resin and Sterling Silver

177 rollerball pens in Ivory White resin and Sterling Silver 177 rollerball pens in Black resin and Sterling Silver

Serial Number

The Chairman

Montegrappa: more than a century of excellence

On the banks of the Brenta River stands a historical building in one of the most picturesque areas of Bassano del Grappa. This ancient town, in the heart of the prosperous North Eastern region of Italy, is the home of Montegrappa. Established as a manufacturer of gold nibs and fountain pens, Montegrappa quickly became famous for products, which blend perfectly the hallmarks of the brand: tasteful design and superb craftsmanship. It has been so since 1912. Bassano happened to be in a major war zone during World War I. For the young company, however, it proved fortuitous. Many soldiers stationed there used Montegrappa pens to write home. Among them were two legendary American authors: Ernest Hemingway and John Dos Passos, who were both volunteer ambulance drivers at the front. Their respect for the pens of Montegrappa made them eager ambassadors for the brand.

Montegrappa has built its success over the years by preserving a tradition that embodies the soul of Italy and its passionate history, the sublime beauty of its countryside, its vibrant colours and unforgettable fragrances. All one needs to do to savour this century’s worth of experience is to examine the meticulous work of Montegrappa’s artisans, to appreciate the attention they pay to even the smallest detail, to touch the precious materials, to marvel at a century-old tradition combined with contemporary design. Montegrappa’s limited editions are conceived to provide their discerning owners with a taste of Italy, to feel the presence of the great masters who passionately breathed life into their works and made them immortal. Every Montegrappa writing instrument reflects Italian creative flair that both honours and transcends great moments in history. A Montegrappa pen is the child of an Italy full of emotion, the object of a love for beautiful things. In 2009, Montegrappa returned to the fold where it belongs: the Aquila family, the leading manufacturers of purely Italian writing equipment. Montegrappa has always been known for its painstaking production methods and superb craftsmanship, as well as for the style and design of products that possess the essence of Italy. Montegrappa pens are exclusive creations that, line after line, express a series of emotions through the simple act of writing.

User Manual 1 USAGE AND MAINTENANCE PISTON-FED FOUNTAIN PENS (picture 1)

1. Unscrew the cap. 2. Gently twist the blind cap counter-clockwise until it stops. 3. Dip the whole nib into the ink bottle. 4. To draw the ink into the pen, twist the blind cap clockwise until it stops. 5. Twist the blind cap counter-clockwise for half a turn, letting little ink drip so that it can expel all the air. 6. Wipe clean the nib with absorbing cloth.

Warning: Do not apply excessive force throughout the filling operation. Fountain pen maintenance advice Your Montegrappa pen is a sophisticated instrument which, when used, is constantly subjected to stress and strain. We warmly recommend to handle your fountain pen nib carefully and clean it along with its feeder at regular intervals. To clean your piston-fed fountain pen, fill and empty the reservoir with water several times until the discharged water is clear. Drip carefully and dry your nib with a soft clean cloth. We advise using only Montegrappa ink.

FOUNTAIN PEN MAINTENANCE ADVICE Wash the nib regularly under lukewarm running water, without using any other product. Washing is necessary in cases where the flow of ink is intermittent or has stopped, where the feed system is blocked, if the ink has dried or if the colour of the ink is to be changed. To prevent the pen from leaking, keep it filled and carry it with the nib turned upwards. We advise using only Montegrappa ink. REPLACING THE NIB Should the width of the nib not be the most suitable for your style, the Montegrappa service agents will be pleased to replace the original nib free of charge if it is returned as new within six weeks from the purchase from a Montegrappa authorised dealer. 2 ROLLERBALL (picture 2)

1. Unscrew the pen barrel counter-clockwise. 2. Take out the old refill and insert the new one. 3. Screw the pen back together.

CLEANING THE SURFACES To remove stains or finger prints, wipe the parts of the pen in resin with a soft damp cloth. Do not use solvents or chemical products that may damage the surfaces and materials of the pen. For models with finishes in silver we recommend the use of the cloth supplied or one that is lint-free and suitable for cleaning silver.

ENGRAVING SERVICE Many Montegrappa models can be customised with special engravings. For more information on how to make your writing instrument even more unique, contact the nearest authorised Montegrappa dealer. MONTEGRAPPA INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE Your Montegrappa pen is an original creation of Montegrappa, made and tested to meet the highest standards of manufacture. Only autho- rised dealers, the exclusive distributors of Montegrappa pens and the authorised Montegrappa service agents can provide the international guarantee service, in accordance with Montegrappa’s instructions. Your Montegrappa pen is guaranteed for 24 months from the date of purchase against any manufacturing defect. Parts found to be defective by authorised Montegrappa service agents will be repaired or replaced under the guarantee. The following are specifically excluded from the Montegrappa international guarantee: 1. Damage resulting from accidental impact, inappropriate or improper use (shocks, crushing, etc.), alterations caused particularly by direct exposure to sunlight and/or high temperatures, unauthorised repairs or tampering as well as the consequences of wear and normal ageing. 2. Theft and loss. In order to benefit from the international guarantee, you will be required to present the international guarantee certificate, duly completed, dated and stamped by an authorised Montegrappa dealer, to an authorised Montegrappa dealer or service agent. The certificate should therefore be kept in a safe place. This guarantee does not interfere with any rights you may have under national laws on consumer goods.

INTERNATIONAL REPAIR GUARANTEE Every Montegrappa pen has a 12 month international repair guarantee for any repair performed by an authorised Montegrappa service agent. This repair guarantee is independent of the Montegrappa International Guarantee issued at the time of purchase. The guarantee is restricted to the repaired component with the limitations indicated in the paragraph “Montegrappa International Guarantee”. LIMITED WARRANTY (USA AND CANADA) Your Montegrappa pen is an original creation of Montegrappa, made and tested to meet the highest standards of manufacture. Only au- thorised Montegrappa dealers, the exclusive distributors of Montegrappa pens and authorised Montegrappa service agents, can provide the International Guarantee Service, in accordance with Montegrappa’s instructions. Your Montegrappa pen is guaranteed for 24 months from the date of purchase against any manufacturing defects. Only parts found to be defective by authorised Montegrappa service agents will be repaired or replaced under the guarantee. The following are excluded in particular from the International Guarantee: 1. Damage resulting from accidental impact, inappropriate or improper use (shocks, crushing, etc.), alterations caused in particular by direct exposure to sunlight and/or to high temperatures, unauthorised repairs or tampering as well as the consequences of normal wear and ageing. 2. Theft and loss. In order to benefit from the International Guarantee, you will be required to present to an authorised Montegrappa dealer or service agent the International Guarantee Certificate, duly completed, dated and stamped by an authorised Montegrappa dealer. The certificate should therefore be kept in a safe place. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, this Limited Warranty shall be the exclusive manufacturer warranty. Neither this Limited Warranty, with respect to the labour cost, nor any other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose, shall extend beyond the period of 24 months from the date of purchase. The liability of Montegrappa is limited solely and exclusively to repair or replacement as stated herein. Montegrappa shall not be liable, by virtue of this Limited Warranty or otherwise, for any loss or damage arising out of the use or inability to use this pen or any incidental or consequential damages relating in any way to this pen. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from one state, province or territory to another. PRIVILEGED OWNER ROLL OF HONOUR Each Montegrappa pen is an original creation, a distinctive item manufactured only in limited editions. A unique jewel that favours and celebrates the aesthetic taste of a only a few fortunate owners and collectors. To them and to all the lovers of its writing instruments, Mon- tegrappa would like to dedicate the Privileged Owners’ Roll of Honour. To register with the Roll of Honour, just fill in the coupon attached on the last page with your personal details* and send it to: Elmo & Montegrappa S.p.A. Via Ca’ Erizzo 43/45 - 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI) Italy INFORMATION PURSUANT TO ART. 13 OF ITALIAN DECREE NO. 193/03 The personal data supplied are to be handled by Elmo & Montegrappa S.p.A. The purpose of data handling is registration in the Roll of Honour and for the sending, for example, of advertising material and invitations to events. Such processes will be carried out with the aid of electronic tools suitable for ensuring their security and confidentiality pursuant to Art. 31 onwards of Italian Decree Law no. 196/03 by specially designated persons. The holder of the data is Elmo & Montegrappa S.p.A., via Ca’ Erizzo 43/45, 36061 Bassano del Grappa (VI), who can be contacted for any further information and for exercising the rights laid down by Art. 7 of Italian Decree Law no. 196/03, at the following number: +39.0424.522232 In any case, provision of your personal data is optional. Nevertheless failure to give consent will prevent registration in the Roll of Honour. International Guarantee Certificate

Roll of Honour

Elmo & Montegrappa S.p.A.

Via Ca’ Erizzo 43/45 - 36061 Bassano del Grappa ITALY T: +39 0424 522232 [email protected]

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